Jane Wu

What does it mean to receive the Belk College of Business Outstanding Young Alumna Award? 

It feels great to be recognized by my home school and fellow alumni network. My time in the Belk College taught me to think big and work hard.

What led you to pursue a graduate degree at UNC Charlotte?

Charlotte is the second largest financial center in the United States. The graduate program in Mathematical Finance at UNC Charlotte is a strong program due to the distinguished professors and outstanding graduates.

What were some of the highlights from your program experience?

Both my classmates and professors have been the highlights of my program experience. I enjoyed connecting with my classmates in projects and class discussions. I also greatly benefited from the professors’ theoretical knowledge and practical experiences.

What was your first job after graduation?

I joined the Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) Securities team after graduation.

How has your degree helped you advance in your career?

My initial career in investment banking has benefited from the modeling skills I learned at UNC Charlotte. The program has also helped me network in the finance industry in Charlotte and successfully land my first internship as well as my first full-time job.

What lessons have you learned from your degree that you are able to apply on the job?

Teamwork and professionalism are key lessons I learned from the program at UNC Charlotte. The program provided  many real-world opportunities for me to practice those lessons and eventually be able to apply on the job.

What aspect of the Belk College best prepared you for your career?

The Belk College program laid a solid foundation in my skill sets and network in the finance industry. Therefore, I was confident for my career transition from an investment banking professional to an entrepreneur. I am particularly grateful for Dr. Richard Buttimer’s guidance in his real estate courses, which well prepared me for the establishment of a commercial real estate development company.

As one of 25 female business leaders in the Charlotte region who was recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal for making significant contributions to your company, industry and community, what advice do you have for current female students in our programs or recent graduates launching their career?

I have been grateful for a great team supporting me and believing in me. I would advise students to surround themselves with good people, build trust with people and draw strength from the team. For female students, I would suggest they find out what they are capable of doing before defining who they are.

Are you engaged in the business community outside of work? Which organization or activities?

I am passionate about economic development at the local, national and international level. I currently serve on the Board at University City Partners (UCP). I also founded North America Chinese Chamber of Commerce (NACCC) to serve international investors and companies investing in the U.S., particularly in the Charlotte area. In addition, I initiated American Alliance for Economic Development (AAED) to support EB-5 investors that invested and created jobs in the U.S.